What the Golf?, an unusual title for an unusual game. So unusual that it's hilarious, fun and addictive from one end to the other. In this golf (...sure?) game, it is simply impossible to suffer from boredom or from repetitiveness, thanks to its absolutely ludicrous levels, mechanics, creativity and structure. A real gem that should set a standard for others.
The result is best described as a mixed bag: while the game features interesting characters, a degree of freedom that will have the players eagerly exploring the game world and multiple endings that act as an incentive to pick it up again, its technical performance is everything but a success. Indeed, Disaster Report 4 often feels clunky and clumsy and while some players might be able to look past this, others will not.
Knightin'+ is an adventure game based on formulas of previous generations and while it's an entirely dungeon-based journey it offers a good variety of enemies and a competent visual environment. Unfortunately the game ends up feeling too repetitive and too short. Perhaps an outside world to explore and a better lifespan could make this a more remarkable game but as it is, not many will be impressed by Knightin'+.
Shantae and the Seven Sirens could have been the best game in the series. It is not, mostly because of its undemanding difficulty level, unhelpful map and lacklustre soundtrack, but Seven Sirens is still a very enjoyable game with an overall experience that will welcome both newcomers and veterans alike, a lovely visual presentation and a well designed level structure. Yet another welcome arrival to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling was made as a tribute to the Paper Mario series and in an attempt to recapture the spirit of the first game of the series. While Bug Fables does not succeed in this purpose, it does deliver a good game, with an addictive combat, well structured plot (and a lot of dialogues), as well as game world that's a marvel to look at. So while the more spiritual goal to pay tribute to Nintendo's series went off the mark, the secondary objectives to make a good game are undoubtedly successful.
With its noir aesthetic and unsettling premise, Liberated gets most things right and will appeal to those who enjoy a good interactive story. It's not without its flaws, namely some technical issues and less than enjoyable quick time events but overall, this is a very welcome arrival to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.
Indivisible brings together elements of a Metroidvania type of game with those of an RPG and the result is a resounding success. Despite its poorly paced plot, the game's marvelous audiovisual environment, its exploration and combat system and the overall humorous tone of the entire game make this a work that deserves players to put their energy into it, now that it was released in a proper way.
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee is a conversion of a game that originally came out nineteen years ago and while the Oddworld series is undoubtedly an outstanding example in platform games, this conversion work falls way behind expectations. With few elements that will appeal to contemporary players, this will almost exclusively look interesting for fans of the original and brings little to the Nintendo Switch catalogue.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 Road to Boruto may be landing a few years late on the Nintendo Switch but this fourth chapter in this particular Naruto series of games has plenty to go for. With a fluid, intense combat, an impressive array of characters and an art style that is faithful to that found in the animation series, this is a game that is at the same time considerate of newcomers and which will make veterans and fans feel right at home.
Cat Girl Without Salad: Amuse-Bouche is an unusual game, based on the formula of a shoot'em-up but with plenty of elements of other genres, and which does several things right - its original ideas, humor-filled dialogue and colourful outlook stand out as its main assets. On the other hand, its very short lifespan, high selling price and rather quick way with which it will feel like a done experience will not attract many players to this new arrival on the Nintendo Switch catalogue.
